Reed Manor residents are upset at the Jackson Housing Commission for voting to let a contract with ArmorKnight Security expire, but JHC officials say their anger should be directed elsewhere.(Will Forgrave | MLive.com)

JACKSON,
MI – Tensions are rising at the Jackson Housing Commission as a security contract
is set to expire later this week, but JHC officials say their hands are tied.

Nakisha
Paul is the public housing revitalization specialist for the JHC, responsible
for signing off on all the commission's expenditures. Paul laid out the reasons
HUD won't allow the security contract to continue in an Aug. 28 email to
Crandall.

For nearly two years, the housing commission has paid the
security company about $154,000 in monthly installments of about $7,000.

Patricia Ryals, president
of the Reed Manor Residents Council, said tenants at Reed Manor will
"never be convinced" that JHC officials care about them.

"We
have many residents who are angry at the way we are being treated and the lack
of concern for our safety," she said. "What is it going to take? Another murder
for them to realize the guards are needed here?"

"Even
though the Resident Council has been advised of (the fact that HUD is requiring
the contract termination), they are still making signs and petitioning,"
Crandall said. "HUD is telling us how to spend the money they send us."

Contact Will Forgrave at wforgrav@mlive.com or
517-262-7554. Follow him on Twitter at @WillForgrave.